Thaw and unwrap it and give it the sniff test. You'll know fast if there is anything to be concerned about.
If it smells ok (it should if it was vaccum sealed) I'm with you, A good chilli sounds about right!!!
My wifes chilli recipe:
1# ground
1 can (14 ounce) diced tomatoes
1 can kidney beans
8oz tomato sauce
1/2 bell pepper diced
1 oinion diced
can (drained) mushrooms
1/2 tbsp cayanne powder (not hot at all but add to taste)
1 pack of any dry chilli seasoning from the grocery store or (my wife uses the following )
-1 tsp lawry's seasoning salt
-1 tbsp dry minced oinion
-1 tsp garlic salt
- 1/2 tsp (chilli power)
- brown ground, add oinions & peppers cook, until oinions start to soften.
- everything else in the pot, stir simmer 1hr
- taste and cayanne to suit taste.